Summary
On day two of the Design Operations Summit 2021, the host welcomed attendees and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the conference curation, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, facilitators, and the audience. Bud Cadet was introduced as the day's theme lead. The talk outlined practical details about the conference including scheduling, time zones, and the clear distinction between main program content and free-to-public sponsor sessions supported by companies like Verizon Design and Mural. Attendees were encouraged to engage via Slack channels, especially #deogenerall for discussion and #deogenerall.help for technical support. The importance of cohorts was emphasized, explaining how they foster deeper connections among participants. Notably, the conference offers comprehensive note-taking support through designated note takers MJ Broadbitt and Kay and Abba, providing session notes, resource lists, and recorded decks to relieve attendees from needing to take notes themselves. The session focused on creating an inclusive, interactive, and accessible environment that maximizes participant learning and networking opportunities.
Key Insights
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Combining curated speaker programs with audience input improves conference relevance and quality.
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Sponsors play a critical role in enabling both premium and free access to high-quality content.
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Offering distinct tracks for sponsor sessions and main program avoids schedule conflicts.
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Community engagement via Slack channels dramatically enhances the virtual conference experience.
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Designated cohorts create intimate groups that support ongoing conversation and networking.
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Providing professional note-taking and resource aggregation reduces attendee cognitive load.
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Digital swag bags with sponsor offers incentivize deeper attendee engagement beyond sessions.
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Transparency about time zones and agendas helps global virtual attendees effectively plan participation.
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Facilitators and speakers’ long-term effort are vital in shaping a high-quality design operations summit.
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Accessible technical support channels are essential to maintaining smooth virtual event experiences.
Notable Quotes
"Thank you so much for your support in the curation process, including helping choose the speakers."
"Sponsor sessions are free for anyone to attend, regardless of whether you paid for the main event."
"We have many, many, many breaks – please check the program page for the official agenda."
"If you want all the fun, jokes, questions, and resources, join our Slack channel #deogenerall."
"Our cohorts are groups of 10 to 15 people who connect during breaks and sponsor sessions."
"Our note taker MJ Broadbitt and Kay and Abba are providing session notes and resource lists."
"You don’t have to worry about note-taking; all session materials will be available shortly after presentations."
"Sponsors like Verizon Design and Mural have made this conference possible."
"If you have any tech issues, #deogenerall.help is ready to support you throughout the conference."
"Our cohorts and Slack channels create a consistent community that carries you through the conference experience."
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